Selfishness or Selflessness

On Wednesday nights, with my young men, we have been studying 2 Timothy. We are brought to a place where Paul is expecting death and writing back to encourage Timothy to retain to sound teaching and defend the gospel.

How often do we think of others when we ourselves are struggling?
Would we take the time to hand-write a letter of encouragement to a brother that is being overwhelmed by a discouraging situation or person?

I think, if we are honest, we would not do those things because we are selfish people. We are a people, most of the time, that dominate their own minds with no intention of allowing anything to alter our personal desires. In most cases they are immediate gratification desires that work to please no one other than ourselves. We may tag Jesus on there to make ourselves feel good about the decision to which we took no time to pray or meditate over. I think this first chapter of 2 Timothy is a call to the people of God to quit looking at our own situation for a time and look at others and consider them. Just like Hebrews 10:23-25 states, "Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking the gathering together as some are in the habit of doing but encouraging one another all the more as we see the Day approaching. Philippians 2:4 also states, "Let each of you not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Paul writes to Timothy interested in him and in his ministry to the people in Ephesus.

How may times are we truly interested in other people's ministries?
An when we are, is the interest generated out of good intentions or out of selfishness?

Paul was sincerely and genuinely interested in Timothy's ministry as is revealed by Paul's referring to him as his "beloved son/child."

Paul reminds Timothy of his calling.
Paul commends Timothy's upbringing by his faithful grandmother and mother.
Paul encourages Timothy to use his gift.

Paul then dives off into a deep thought on the importance of not being ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.
Paul tells Timothy not to be ashamed by:
1. Sharing in the sufferings
2. Knowing who saves and calls
3. Knowing salvation is not based on works
4. Knowing salvation is by God's purpose and grace
5. Knowing salvation is all through Jesus and his coming
6. Knowing Jesus abolished death, brought life and immortality

Paul then says because of his lack of shame, the manifest presence of God on earth and Jesus' calling on his life he has been appointed as preacher, apostle and teacher.
Paul even notes that this is why he suffers. Think of this, Paul was the man, to the Pharisees, when he was Saul. Saul was zealous to cast out, kill and throw in prison anyone who spoke or taught about Jesus then miraculously Jesus reveals himself to Saul on the road to Damascus and everything changes. Saul becomes Paul and begins sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone.

Saul was the "LeBron James" of Pharisees!

Just think of the response... the Miami Heat! But really, he just totally swapped in a matter of moments, Saul is Paul and is telling about the greatness of Jesus Christ. This is why Paul suffered most definitely.

But Paul says, "I'm not ashamed". Paul says, "I know who I believe in!"

But Paul was also disowned by his own people. Paul says that all in Asia turned away from him as did two guys whose momma gave them terrible names, "Phygelus and Hermogenes." Paul was letting Timothy know, "Hey man, not everybody is going to understand what you are doing. Many may, in the beginning but when its not their way you will be able to see it."

Paul also encourages Timothy in that of the life of Onesiphorus. Paul says that "On" is a great man to be commended for his faithfulness, his eagerness, his helpfulness and his friendship.

To close, I think we all need to find that someone or be that someone who mentors in the discipleship of Christ. Paul took Timothy a young man whose Dad is understood as a non-believing Greek, and loved him, encouraged him, wrote to him and discipled him. Today, we too can be a Paul to a Timothy. Let's do it.

Blake Prater